How do you explain the pain to others?

somedayishere

New Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 18

Posted 3/14/2007 12:56 AM (GMT -7)

Hi everyone

I am at a loss as I have been trying for such a long time to explain how overwhelming and all encompasing the pain that I have with a migraine is to my husband and family. I have never in my life experienced anyhting like this. It lterally assults all of my senses. Smells .lights , movement even the tinest repetitive sound feels like a freight train bearing down on me.

I can't think ,I get my words and thoughts mixed up.I become confused and literaly walk in circles trying to remember what I was doing. I can't seem to be able to "put it in a box" to try to contain it and just push through it. And then if I try to be quiet and try to wait it out my husband thinks I am just checking out of life and not keeping my priorities or responsibilites to him or our children.Some of my family even thinks it is wrong to have any pain medications in the house - they think it is a danger for the children even though it is kept up high in a cuboard. I am so frustrated with the pain and all that I am missing because of it . I am so sick of taking medications and going to the ER . I really hate even saying any of this.

How do you explain this to someone who has never experienced this ? Has anyone had sucess in this? Maybe a book or article to read. I don't know how to help them understand that this is not just "in my head" and that I have no real controll over it.

Annuk

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 1308

Posted 3/14/2007 9:59 AM (GMT -7)

Hi somedayishere,

I know what you mean!!!! Whatever you say to anyone by way of explanation just sounds pathetic!!! Now try hitting them with some facts!!! Migraine is a neurological disease!!! It affects the blood vessels in your head which swell to 2-3 times their normal size and causes unbearable pain!!!! There can be some responses through the body, for instance the fatigue, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity amongst others.

Don't just go on what I am telling you look all this up, there are resources on this site, if you look to the right on this page you will see Migraine Headache Resource Centre, click on it and have a look around!

There are however, some people that you just cannot tell no matter how hard you try, and all you can do is accept that they are not able to take this on board. But you have got us here now who do understand what you go through!

take care

Ann

Co-Moderator of the Migraine/Headache Forum

jphsr

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2007

Posts : 21

Posted 3/14/2007 11:09 PM (GMT -7)

hello somedayishere i really dont know what to say to help you make the others understand just remember that we are here to lean on when you need a shoulder to rest on and someone to talk with who know whats going on and how bad they can get.....i am a complex migraine suffer myself...tc be safe and remember you are amoung freinds here hope you get releif soon and many blessing be layed at your door jphsr

somedayishere

New Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 18

Posted 3/15/2007 12:17 PM (GMT -7)

Thank you both for your kind words and understanding. It is good to know that other people understand this on going struggle with migraines. It is also good to know that there is aplace I can go for support. Sometimes it is so hard to even talk about it and it just seems easier to withdraw inside yourself. I think somedays trying not to isloate is as hard as dealing with the pain. Thank you again for encouraging me to kepp reaching out.

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